To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 34-1: Witty Shen Sanlang

This woman knows that the tofu paste should be set aside for an hour before being shaped into balls for frying, and she also knows that she prefers to add more vinegar to the dipping sauce. Who is this woman?

If it weren't for the fact that the Princess was no longer alive, she would have almost believed it was Princess standing before her!

"Who are you?" Xiuyue finally asked.

Who are you? Luo Sheng thought it was a good question. Twelve years had passed for Xiuyue. Moreover, she became Miss Luo. She couldn't even tell who she was anymore. But obviously, she had successfully aroused Xiuyue's suspicion by making the tofu ball, so she didn't have to worry about Xiuyue running away when she didn't pay attention.

Luo Sheng didn't directly answer Xiuyue's question. Instead, she replied with a question of her own, "Where do you sell your douhua?"

Caught off guard, Xiuyue blurted out, "It's at the alley entrance—" She immediately regretted her slip-up. Why couldn't she resist answering when the woman in front of her asked a question?

"In that case, I'll come to find you tomorrow." With those words, she turned and left, leaving Xiuyue stunned and hurriedly chasing after her, questioning, "Where are you going?"

Luo Sheng looked at the startled Xiuyue, resembling a startled bird, and couldn't help but smile. "It's getting late. I have to go back. We can discuss all your doubts tomorrow."

Leaving the ordinary house behind, Luo Sheng went straight to the inn. She couldn't bring Xiuyue back to the inn directly. She needed a valid reason to do so, and that reason would have to wait until tomorrow. Fortunately, with the tofu ball she had made, Xiuyue would undoubtedly wait for her return.

Just as the four maids understood her, she also understood them. They would consider every aspect of her well-being, even if it meant risking their own lives.

Back at the inn, Hongdou was still fast asleep. Luo Sheng quietly climbed onto the bed. Silence enveloped the surroundings outside the window, with only the rhythmic and steady breathing of Hongdou filling the room. Luo Sheng's thoughts drifted towards the mysterious man in black who had been following Xiuyue.

Who could this person be? And why was he tailing Xiuyue?

Recalling that his hand had poised to strike at the back of Xiuyue's neck, she could only come to a temporary conclusion. This person was an enemy, not a friend. They couldn't prolong their stay in Nanyang City for much longer.

If her younger brother was still alive, Xiuyue's years of searching had yielded no clues thus far. It was unrealistic for her to expect to uncover any leads in just a few days of staying here.

The appearance of the man in black is a warning. She must immediately bring Xiuyue to the Capital. Once there, she would establish her position as the Jinlin Guard Commander's daughter and slowly uncover the truth. This, she believed, was the right course of action.

Lying in bed, Luo Sheng faced a restless night. The lack of sleep was evident when Hongdou saw her in the morning and exclaimed, "Miss, did you not sleep well? Your eyes look like they've taken two punches!"

Luo Sheng was at a loss for words, so she ordered Hongdou: "Bring me the face powder."

After freshening up, Luo Sheng stepped out of the room accompanied by Hongdou, only to find Sheng Sanlang waiting for them in the corridor. As soon as he saw Luo Sheng, Sheng Sanlang's face lit up with a smile. "Biaomei, what would you like to eat this morning? Shall we have breakfast at the inn, or would you prefer to go out?" Sheng Sanlang asked cheerfully, emphasizing the option of going out to eat. His love for food was evident in his expression. 

Luo Sheng couldn't help but sigh at Shen Sanlang's suggestion. It was as if he had read her mind and offered a timely solution. Who wouldn't like a considerate young man like Sheng Sanlang.

"Let's go out and eat. I want to have douhua." Luo Sheng replied.

Hearing that Luo Sheng wanted to go out for breakfast, Sheng Sanlang breathed a sigh of relief. He headed to the inn's hall and approached the inn's waiter, asking, "Where can we find the best douhua stalls around here?" The waiter began listing the options, "There are several stalls that serve delicious douhua. Wang Niangzi's stall at the end of the bridge offers sweet douhua, while Zhao Popo[1]'s douhua on West Street is known for its tender texture—"

Luo Sheng interrupted the waiter, saying, "I want savory douhua." 

[1] Popo: old woman